Sold AS The alpha King's Breeder

Chapter 88: Is That Invitation Still Open?

With Raymond out of the way and my name restored, I left the pack courtyard and the trial and ran straight to the packhouse to check on Warren.

“Ciana, you’ re okay,” he said with a relieved sigh. “Slow down. Thank you again for coming back for me.’

“No, Warren, I should be thanking you. You helped me so much. I’m sorry that you went through all of that. I don’t know what I can do to repay you,” I blurted out, squeezing his hand.

“Silly girl! We’ re friends, right? That’s what we do. You have no idea how worried I was about you. When you fainted and they took you away…” Warren ‘s face wrinkled at the bad memory. “Thank the Goddess you are unharmed.”

He opened his arms like he was going to hug me.

Someone cleared their throat behind us and I saw Theo, or Tallis as he was still pretending to be, standing against the nearest packhouse wall. He was glaring at Warren.

Theo?” Warren asked.

“I’m not Theo!” he hissed moodily. “My name is Tallis.”

“Oh…” Warren stared at him for a moment, and murmured to himself, “Sorry, you remind me of my brother. I mean, you look different, but just…’

I jumped in, “Warren, believe me, I was confused at first too. But this is Tallis. He’s Nelson’s brother. Nelson is the car-

nival director,” I said, covering for Theo. I figured he probably had a good reason to keep his identity a secret, even from his own brother.

“Hmm. Well, you are dressed like you work with Nelson,” Warren said with a chuckle. He turned back to me, looking at me with deep, emotional eyes.

“Yes, he does, doesn’t he? I don’t think Prince Theo would ever wear colors like that,” I said, giggling and giving Theo a challenging look.

Theo snorted and looked away from me.

“I heard my name,” Nelson arrived with a concerned look on his face. “Geez, Tallis, there you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you. They told me you’re at the packhouse. The carnival is packed up. Are you ready to go or what?”

“I’m ready,” Theo said stiffly.

“Great. Well, say your goodbyes and let’s get going. We’re all waiting on you,” Nelson said. He clapped his hands to hurry Theo along.

I bit my tongue to keep from laughing, seeing the dark, dangerous look in Theo’s eyes. If Nelson wasn’t careful, he’d end up dealing with the Dark Prince.

Theo glanced at me and crossed his arms. He gave a final nod and left after Nelson. It was already getting late and if he hung around too long, it would seem suspicious. Especially if he kept hanging around me.

“Warren, how are you feeling?” I asked, turning back to Warren.

He still looked a little pale and dirty. I hoped after a nice shower and some fresh clothes, he’d look and feel better,

Warren sniffled and rubbed his head.

“Honestly, I’ve got a bit of a headache. I’m not sure if I’m getting sick or I just need good food,” he admitted.

Warren and I headed back to my parents’ house. As we went, he started sniffling more and rubbing his temples. He was definitely sick.

food. I’ll make sure to get you a good dinner. I’m just going to run out for a few minutes. Try to rest,” I

murmured, his eyes already

would send Warren back to the palace. I hurried after Theo to where the carnival had been

a few pieces of trash. Sighing, I kicked at an old can. I wondered where they were going next

when I got back to the

with a mug of tea and water. It would be there when he woke up. A strong

down. I was happy to see

8B. That Sol’

Susan’s gravestone in the pack cemetery. Her death had been avenged, but I still missed her and felt

hand on her

because of me. Raymond is gone, though, and I think he suffered. Be at peace, dear friend,” I

Warren

the grave and looked at him. “I just wanted to give her an update about what’s

going well,

Thanks again. You look quite energetic. Feeling 100% now?”

grinned and rubbed his belly. All the color had returned to his cheeks and he

me this morning was fantastic. Who needs medicine with you as

one had ever praised my cooking before. I couldn’t tell if he was just being nice or if he méant

to have stepped up to help or ganize the pack,”

88. ISThai

by side through the pack territory. It was a nice day with warm morning sun shining down on us and a soft breeze through the

and Hawke ex iled, no one is left to cause problems. I keep going to their meetings, but every time they have it all under control. I hardly have anything

your pack is do ing better. It makes

“Asking what?”

little. What could Warren

threat. I wanted to know if you’d visit her pack with me,” he said, giving

right. Am I keeping you from visiting your sister?” I asked

glad I took time to recover from being held prisoner. So, do

lower

the

been there once many years ago with my parents, and) r membered liking the territory and

what do you say?”

have settled in the pack, it would be a pleas ant change from what I was dealing

for me. If I went with him, he might think I had feelings for him, too. I didn’t want to give Warren the wrong

in pack territory at the moment. My pack was still vulnerable and I didn’t want to leave and allow someone else to

like a really fun trip, but Warren, I should really stay here until my parents get back. Alvar needs

I could see he was disappointed. He took my

he said, nodding and smiling

to my parents’ house to pack and I headed to the courtyard to see if Frederic or Murray needed me for anything. I was impressed with how well they were handling things, but I still wanted to

I heard some girls whispering

88′ That Open?

the mention of the

Tallis… so handsome. I

you’re so bad. They didn’t